Category Archives: Blog Hops

Hosted by Long and Short Reviews.

Click here to read everyone else’s replies to this week’s question and here to see the full list of topics for the year.

I should warn you all that I don’t read or watch many romantic stories, so this answer might be a little off the beaten path. I like romances about characters who respect each other’s boundaries, have realistic expectations of their romantic partners, and  know how to take no for an answer. From what I recall, this tale did a pretty good job at all of those things.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a 2004 sci-fi romance film about man who agreed to have his painful memories of his ex-girlfriend permanently erased.

In order for that to happen, he had to briefly relive all of the memories that included her beginning with the newest and most difficult ones. He was asleep during this process and has no way to communicate with the scientists who were erasing his memories.

As they worked backwards in time and he remembered happier moments with her, he changed his mind about this process.

I loved the plot just as much as I did the chemistry between the two main characters. They’d had more than their fair share of hard days together, but they’d also had some wonderful experiences as a couple.

It was cool to see a film acknowledge that most relationships generally aren’t 100% harmful or 100% helpful. (I’m not talking about toxic relationships here, just ordinary ones that might go through rough patches).

There are many shades of grey between those two extremes, and it isn’t always easy to know where the line is between a relationship that should end for the sake of everyone involved in it versus one that could be salvaged if both partners are willing to work at it.

The ending was immensely satisfying as well, although I won’t spoil it for anyone who has yet to check this film out.

Whether you’re single, in a longterm relationship, or somewhere in-between, I’d recommend this film to everyone as Valentine’s Day approaches.

Hosted by Long and Short Reviews.

Click here to read everyone else’s replies to this week’s question and here to see the full list of topics for the year.

What a fun topic! Here are a few of my favourite things:

Dairy-Free Treats. Toronto has a decent population of people who don’t eat dairy products for any number of reasons, so there are lots of options for dairy-free chocolate, candy, cakes, and other sweets at most big grocery stores. The health food stores often have the fanciest stuff.

Minecraft. I love planting crops and building homes the most in this game.

Massages. They don’t happen during pandemics, of course, but they’re a rare treat in ordinary times.

Nature Walks. I’m easily amused by the simple things in life, especially if they involve walking around in parks or forests.

Swimming. This is one of my favourite forms of exercise. There’s nothing like paddling through deliciously cool water on a warm day.

Gentle Rollercoasters. Modern rollercoasters are a little too fast and jerky for me. I prefer older ones that had more gentle hills and valleys.

Petting Other People’s Dogs. Will it trigger my allergies? Yes, but if the owners say it’s okay I occasionally do it anyway and then wash my hands immediately afterwards. Dogs are such friendly creatures. It’s hard to never give in to the urge to pet them and tell them they’re good dogs.